Table of ContentsIntroductionSantiago's Initial Personal Legend in The AlchemistLove as a Blessing in The AlchemistConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionThroughout his life, Santiago faces many obstacles which he uses as blessings to move towards the realization of his dream. In The Alchemist, Santiago's personal legend is twisted and captivating. First, the biggest obstacle is the will of one's parents. Santiago's father wants him to become a priest because it is considered an honor for a farming family. But Santiago's ambition is to discover the world and this is “more important to him than knowing God and knowing the sins of man” (Coelho, 11). Santiago struggles to tell his father that he wants to travel because he doesn't want his father to be unhappy with his decision. One day, when Santiago gathered enough courage, he told his father "that he didn't want to become a priest." That he wanted to travel' (Coelho, 11 years old). After convincing his father to allow him to travel, Santiago is given three gold coins to begin his journey. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Santiago's Initial Personal Legend in The Alchemist Next, Santiago travels through the fields of Andalusia and, ultimately, makes his way to the pyramids, where his treasure is located. Santiago goes against his father's wishes and is able to move forward towards achieving his goal. Listening to his heart becomes meaningful when he travels to Egypt to achieve his ultimate goal. Even though Santiago's parents want him to become a priest, Santiago chooses to follow his dream which allows him to live the ultimate life by finding his hidden treasure. Additionally, as Santiago begins his journey, he encounters another obstacle: getting robbed on his first day in Africa, which motivates him to persevere. While wandering the streets of Tarifa, Santiago meets Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who advises him to go to Africa to realize his personal legend. When Santiago arrives in Tangier, he meets a young man whom he asks to guide him on his journey. Santiago, admiring a sword sheath in the market, looks around and sees "people coming and going, shouting and buying, and the aroma of strange foods...but he couldn't find anywhere his new companion..." (Coelho, 41 years old). While walking through the streets of Tangier, the young man disappears with Santiago's money that he earned by selling his sheep to his friend. Without any money, Santiago probably cannot go further or return to Spain. However, losing all his money encourages Santiago to look for a job. His encouragement becomes important when Santiago works in a crystal merchant's shop. He persuades the shopkeeper to build a storefront and sell tea in crystal glasses, which attracts many customers. Santiago helps the crystal merchant's business grow and gathers enough money to travel to Egypt or become a shepherd again. So, encouraging himself after the theft, Santiago moves toward his goal as he earns money and gains knowledge. Eventually, as Santiago moves toward his personal legend, he experiences love, which resists him in achieving his goal. After working with the crystal merchant, Santiago takes the caravan to the pyramids, where he must stay in an oasis due to tribal wars. While in Al-Fayoum, helping the Englishman find the alchemist, Santiago meets a desert woman with whom he falls in love at first sight. When he meets the woman named Fatima, Santiago discovers the language of,, 1993.